It’s the kind of frenzy you feel more than you see—airport lines snaking around terminals, traffic lights flickering red longer than usual, and highways echoing with the roar of car engines heading south. Something big is happening, and it’s not just the unofficial start of summer.
This Memorial Day weekend, a historic wave of travelers is flooding the roads and skies. According to AAA, more than 45.1 million people across the United States are expected to travel, surpassing the previous all-time record of 44 million set in 2005.
But here’s the twist: Orlando, Florida, is leading the charge. Why are so many people flocking to Central Florida—and what does it say about the changing landscape of American travel?
Universal Epic Universe Opening Week: The Magic of Memorial Day in Central Florida
Running from Thursday, May 22, to Monday, May 26, this year’s Memorial Day travel rush has put Orlando in the national spotlight. Known for its world-class attractions, the city has officially been named AAA’s No. 1 U.S. travel destination for the long weekend.
It’s not just the palm trees or the sunshine. Orlando’s irresistible appeal lies in its proximity to Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and Port Canaveral’s cruise terminals. Whether families are dreaming of fireworks over Cinderella Castle or hopping aboard a cruise ship to the Bahamas, Orlando is the central hub for it all.
And this year? There’s one more giant reason behind the travel surge.
Universal’s Epic Universe: The New Era Begins
In a move that’s been years in the making, Universal’s Epic Universe is opening its gates to eager guests during the holiday weekend. With themed lands inspired by Nintendo, classic monsters, and beloved DreamWorks franchises, the park is already being hailed as a game-changer for the theme park industry.
While the park’s full grand opening will roll out in phases, the preview and celebration events over Memorial Day weekend have proven enough to draw massive crowds. Theme park fans, travel bloggers, influencers, and families alike are all vying to be among the first to step foot in this brand-new immersive universe.
Epic Universe isn’t just a new park. It’s a symbol of the industry’s evolution—bigger, more immersive, and more technologically advanced than anything before.
Breaking Records, Shaping Trends
What does this weekend mean beyond the crowds and traffic jams? It’s a strong sign that American travel has not only bounced back—it’s booming.
For Orlando, this isn’t just a fluke spike in tourism. It’s part of a larger trend positioning the city as America’s go-to entertainment epicenter. With cruise ports, theme parks, and major events all within reach, Orlando is uniquely situated to dominate summer travel well beyond Memorial Day.
Even beyond Florida, this year’s top five domestic destinations—Seattle, New York City, Las Vegas, and Miami—suggest that travelers are craving both adventure and accessibility.
2.6 Million Florida Drivers: What You Need to Know
If you’re one of the 2.6 million Florida residents hitting the road this weekend, or one of millions traveling in from out of state, safety is key.
AAA spokesperson Mark Jenkins issued a timely reminder:
“There are a lot of people on the roads who haven’t been here in a while—or ever. Don’t let one mistake ruin your—and somebody else’s—vacation.”
AAA’s travel tips include avoiding distractions behind the wheel, staying cautious during nighttime hours, and being aware of roadside stops and construction areas. Heavy traffic is expected around Interstate 4, State Road 528, and exits to Disney and Universal.
Is This the New Normal With the Official Universal Epic Universe Opening Day?
What began as a return to travel post-pandemic has evolved into a full-on tourism boom. Orlando topping the charts for Memorial Day isn’t just a win for Central Florida—it’s a signal that domestic tourism is reshaping itself around major entertainment hubs.
This weekend’s record-breaking numbers are a preview of what’s to come as summer approaches, and Orlando’s starring role in that future seems all but locked in.
So whether you’re braving the crowds for your first peek at Epic Universe, boarding a cruise, or simply soaking in the theme park magic—expect longer lines, louder laughter, and a sense that everyone had the same brilliant idea this holiday weekend.
Bottom line?
If you’re heading to Orlando this Memorial Day, buckle up—it’s going to be historic.
